Sodium phosphate inhibition of the growth of selected foodborne spoilage yeasts

Abstract

Sodium phosphite was evaluated for inhibition of growth of spoilage yeasts in laboratory media and in two commercial carbonated beverages. In addition, the effects of pH and atmosphere in combination with sodium phosphite were also examined in laboratory media. Inhibition studies in laboratory media were performed with optimal or near optimal growth conditions for each yeast. Growth was monitored by measuring optical density at 600 nm. A time to significant growth was determined for experiments in laboratory media and was used to evaluate the effect that sodium phosphite and other test variables had on growth. A time to detectable growth was determined for experiments in commercial carbonated beverages and post incubation counts on observations with undetectable growth were used to evaluate the effects of sodium phosphite on yeast growth. Sodium phosphite was most effective in inhibiting growth of Zygosaccharomyces bailii, and less effective against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Saccharomyces uvarum respectively. Results from this investigation show the potential use of sodium phosphite as an antimicrobial food preservative has potential.